Lawyer defends Mont. family accused in phone scam

HELENA, Mont. -- The lawyer for a Montana family accused of cramming $70 million in bogus charges on phone bills nationwide says his clients followed industry standards.

The Federal Trade Commission accuses Steven Sann, his wife, son and accountant of running companies that added the unauthorized charges to customers' phone bills since 2008.

The commission is asking a judge to force the Sanns to stop operating and to freeze their assets.

The Sanns' attorney, Andrew B. Lustigman said in a statement Tuesday the companies' services were sold in a long-accepted and responsible fashion. He says customers were given repeated opportunities to accept or reject the services.

The FTC complaint alleges Steven Sann used some of the money to buy land and pay for his legal bills in a separate medical marijuana case.